Septoplasty

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgery to straighten a deviated septum. The septum is the wall dividing the left and right nasal cavities. It is made of cartilage and bone and is lined with a thin mucus membrane. A normal septum is straight and in the center of the nose. A deviated septum is bent or off-center. Septal deviation may occur during development in the womb, during birth, as your nose grows, or after a traumatic injury. Septoplasty may be done at the same time as other nasal surgery, like rhinoplasty.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the care center. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site

Heavy bleeding

Packing from your nose falls into the back of your throat, causing discomfort

Persistent nausea and/or vomiting

Vomit that is bloody or the color of coffee grounds

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Definition

Septoplasty is a surgery to straighten a deviated septum. The septum is the wall dividing the left and right nasal cavities. It is made of cartilage and bone and is lined with a thin mucus membrane.

A normal septum is straight and in the center of the nose. A deviated septum is bent or off-center. Septal deviation may occur during development in the womb, during birth, as your nose grows, or after a traumatic injury. Septoplasty may be done at the same time as other nasal surgery, like rhinoplasty.

What to Expect

Reasons for Procedure

Septoplasty is considered if a deviated septum obstructs your nasal passages. The obstruction can cause impaired nasal breathing, sinus infections, obstructive sleep apnea, recurrent nose bleeds, or a runny nose. A deviated septum may also need to be corrected with septoplasty if it causes chronic headaches.